Boundaries might seem like a buzz word or something that isn’t particularly definable but often during therapy we start to recognise just how vital they are. 

Boundaries are in fact important on a lot of levels – for your own mental health, healthy relationships with others, confidence at work, self-care and protecting yourself/building tools for your future. 

Boundaries could also be defined as knowing what you want and are willing to accept from others and communicating these clearly to them. 

One thing to remember about holding boundaries with people, especially if that is a new thing within your relationship with them, is that you might be met with resistance from the other person. It will feel strange to them, they may react defensively, and they may not like the new dynamic however, relationships can strengthen and become more equal from the addition of healthy boundaries. 

Something that I use as a benchmark and often tell my clients, is that the people who react badly to the addition of boundaries are the people who benefit in some way from you not having them. 

Boundaries need to be consistent but flexible as well – they may need reviewing regularly to make sure that they still reflect your lifestyle, wants and needs.